Microsoft CTO Taking Leave

Nathan Myhrvold, chief technology officer for Microsoft Corp., begins a leave of absence to pursue science and enjoy more time with his family July 1, reports the Redmond, Wash., software company.

"Frankly, I would rather he continue his work at Microsoft, but I support his decision to take a much needed break and explore his passion for science," said CEO Bill Gates in a company release. "Nathan has been an invaluable contributor to Microsoft, the technology industry and to me personally over the past 13 years."

Myhrvold is expected to join an expedition this summer to hunt for dinosaur remains in eastern Montana and participate in ongoing dinosaur research with Philip Currie of the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta, Canada. "I won't neglect business and technology. They are in my blood at this stage," Myhrvold says.

He joined Microsoft in 1986 as director of special projects, when it acquired Dynamic Systems Research, a company Myhrvold founded, and played an important role in the development of the Windows NT operating system. His most noted achievement was the establishment of Microsoft Research in 1991. He then became CTO in 1996.

Rick Rashid, who was recruited by Myhrvold in 1991 to start the research facility, will continue as vice president of research and remain in charge of all basic research activities by Microsoft.

"I have the best job in the world, combining technology, strategy and business, in the most exciting industry and company in the world, which makes it difficult to do anything else," Myhrvold says. "As great as Microsoft has been for me, it's the right stage in my life to address some other interests." -- Brian Ploskina